What can we learn about God's presence during times of darkness from Psalm 88:18? Setting the Scene: Psalm 88 and Deep Darkness Psalm 88 is often called the “darkest” psalm. The closing line rings out: “You have removed my beloved and my friend from me; darkness is my closest companion.” Heman, the psalmist, feels abandoned by everyone—including, in his perception, God. Yet even in that bleak moment, the Holy Spirit preserved this cry in Scripture, showing that our deepest night is not outside God’s sight. Key Observations from Verse 18 • “YOU have removed…” – The psalmist recognizes God’s sovereignty even over painful losses. Nothing in his life is random. • “my beloved and my friend” – The loss is relational. God knows when loneliness cuts the deepest. • “darkness is my closest companion” – He feels wrapped in night. Yet to describe it to God means God is listening right then and there. What We Learn about God’s Presence in Darkness • God invites honest lament. – Psalm 62:8 “Pour out your hearts before Him; God is our refuge.” • Sovereignty does not silence suffering. – Job 1:21: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Both Job and Heman confess God’s control while still crying out. • Darkness does not equal God’s absence. – Psalm 139:11-12: “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me,’ … even the darkness is not dark to You.” • Scripture keeps company with sufferers. The very existence of Psalm 88 proves the Lord remains near, preserving a record of anguish for our comfort (Romans 15:4). • The final word is not despair. Psalm 88 seems to end in night, but the next psalm (89) begins with praise. God places hope right beside sorrow. Practical Encouragements for Today 1. Speak to God even when feelings say He is distant. Silence is never the solution; Psalm 88 shows the way of raw prayer. 2. Trust His unchanging character. Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Our emotions fluctuate; His promise stands. 3. Look for the larger story. Jesus walked through the ultimate darkness—“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)—so that no believer’s night can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). 4. Recognize fellowship in suffering. The psalmist’s cry links all believers who feel isolated. Sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness shines light for one another. Summing Up Psalm 88:18 shows that even when darkness feels like our only companion, God remains sovereign, attentive, and willing to hear every anguished word. Our night seasons are recorded in His Word to remind us that He is present, purposeful, and preparing a dawn we may not yet see. |
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